Iowa running out of available players

Last update: November 11, 2009 - 9:14 PM

One of Iowa's favorite mantras has always been "Next Man In." The 15th-ranked Hawkeyes don't complain about injuries; they go to the next player on the depth chart.

But as Iowa (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) heads into Saturday's showdown at No. 10 Ohio State (8-2, 5-1) with a likely bid to the Rose Bowl on the line, the Hawkeyes are low on players to plug in.

"Some years you have injuries," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "This has been one of those years."

Somewhat lost in Iowa's remarkable start was the fact that the Hawkeyes did it while overcoming injuries to key players. They lost starting cornerback Jordan Bernstine and running back Jewel Hampton for the season in fall camp, and tight end Tony Moeaki and tackle Bryan Bulaga missed significant time before returning.

The Hawkeyes kept trudging along victorious until last week. Junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi sprained his ankle in the second quarter against Northwestern, with Iowa ahead 10-0, and the Hawkeyes never scored again.

The Hawkeyes now head into one of their biggest games in recent memory without Stanzi, starting running back Adam Robinson and offensive lineman Dace Richardson.

"We've got them right where we want them, that's the way I'm looking at it," Ferentz said jokingly.

Etc.

• Arizona State senior cornerback Terell Carr was arrested on suspicion of three misdemeanors and booked into jail. The 21-year-old Carr, who has started seven games this season, was arrested Tuesday, the same day he was suspended indefinitely by coach Dennis Erickson for violating team rules. Authorities say the arrest involved one count of disorderly conduct for fighting, one count of assault and one count of driving with a suspended license.

• Notre Dame associate head coach Corwin Brown criticized Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo for his postgame comments after the Midshipmen upset the Irish on Saturday and for a "malicious" cut block by a Navy receiver. Brown said it was improper for Niumatalolo to say after the game that Navy knew Notre Dame would use the same defensive scheme as the season before. He said classy coaches don't make such comments.

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